Prepare your heart for the Sermon by looking through these suggestions that will assist you in making the most of our time together hearing God's Word.
You will find suggestions for thinking more critically through the passage, meditating more intently on the text, and prayerfully seeking wisdom to deepen your understanding of the passage to be preached this Sunday.
Carefully Think
- Read Romans 1:8-12
- Through what means does Paul give thanks?
- What does Paul give thanks for? Who is the “you all”?What leads Paul to give thanks for these individuals?
- Who is Paul’s witness as to how often he prays for these believers?
- How often does Paul pray for these believers?
- Why does Paul long to see these believers?
- What does Paul mean by saying he desires to impart a spiritual gift?
- What is the purpose of imparting this spiritual gift?
- How does verse 12 offer more insight into Paul’s goal in being present with these believers?
- Is the encouragement only one way (Paul to the believers)? Explain your answer.
Prayerfully Meditate
- What would it take for the faith of your church to be proclaimed throughout the whole world?
- How does Paul serve God in his spirit? What does that mean?
- Why does Paul appeal to God as his witness for this act of prayer?
- Why is it significant that Paul longed to be with these believers? What does this mean for discipleship?
- How does faith of believers encourage the faith of other believers?
- How does this passage inform you view of intercessory prayer?